FoxNews held an earlier debate for the 7 candidates not included in the main Republican debate. Do you think the mini-debate was effective?

71% of writers and pundits say no see all opinions below

What do you think?Was The Mini-Debate Effective?

Writers and pundits who say or about the topic, "Was The Mini-Debate Effective?"

last 24 hours | jsonlineGOP candidates stick to script in early debate - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel"...It was a chance for the four current and former governors, a sitting senator from a crucial early-voting state, a former senator and the GOP's only female White House candidate to try for the sort of hit-it-out-of-the-park performance that could vault them back into the top-tier of candidates.But the candidates avoided debating each other and largely stuck to scripted responses on domestic and foreign policy during the hour-plus event in a largely empty Quicken Loans Arena. They attacked Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton and comparing themselves to billionaire Donald Trump, who participated in the later debate by virtue of his lead in five national polls...." see full article

"...The seven had little to lose as they tried to pump up their poll numbers to muscle their way into the next GOP debate, at the Ronald Reagan Library on Sept. 16 in Simi Valley, Calif. Rather than draw contrasts between each other, they hoped to score points with GOP voters by taking aim at top Democrats.Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, was target."To all the Americans who want a better life, don't vote for Hillary Clinton," Graham said. "You're not going to get it. She's not going to repeal Obamacare and replace it, I will. .. Until you change the policies of Barack Obama, we're never going to grow this economy ... or be safe. She represents a third term of a failed presidency."..." see full article

"...The seven had little to lose as they tried to pump up their poll numbers to muscle their way into the next GOP debate, at the Ronald Reagan Library on Sept. 16 in Simi Valley, Calif. Rather than draw contrasts between each other, they hoped to score points with GOP voters by taking aim at top Democrats.Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, was target. To all the Americans who want a better life, don't vote for Hillary Clinton," Graham said. "You're not going to get it. She's not going to repeal Obamacare and replace it, I will. .. Until you change the policies of Barack Obama, we're never going to grow this economy ... or be safe. She represents a third of a failed presidency. ..." see full article

955 days ago | dailycallerIn Early Debate, Candidates Forced To Defend Why They Are Even Running - Daily Caller"...Ouch.Here's how you can sum up the first round of questions to the seven Republicans who didn't make the cut for the primetime debate here, but participated in a forum earlier in the evening: why the heck are you even running? You were in charge of the 12th largest economy in the world, co-moderator Bill Hemmer said to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. And you recently said four years ago, you weren't ready to for this job. Why should someone vote for you now? After those four years of looking back and being prepared, the preparation to be the most powerful individual in the world requires an extraordinary amount of work, Perry replied.Along with Perry, Fox invited six Republicans to debate on-stage four hours before the Republicans polling in the top 10 in national polls debate at the Quicken Loans arena. Some of these candidates aren't even cracking 1 percent in the polls...." see full article

"...However, some in the party see an opportunity for a candidate in the lower tier to break out on the strength of a strong performance. The early debate is a chance for someone to get in the highlight reel before the main event, said U.S. Chamber of Commerce political strategist Scott Reed. Republicans say there's opportunity for Perry in a lower-stakes setting to showcase the stronger grasp on policy that has earned him raves on the campaign trail. And they say Fiorina is a blank slate who will be introducing herself to many conservative voters for the first time, after emerging on the campaign trail as one of Hillary Clinton's sharpest critics. Fiorina continues to shine in these forums and has a chance to move up to the adult table by the September (CNN) debate, Reed said. In addition, Graham has impressed with a relaxed style and colloquial turns of phrase that have earned him media coverage. On Monday night, he memorably dug at the Clinton speak he says he's become a pro at deciphering. ..." see full article

"...Through the first half of that debate, it didn't seem like anyone was winning.Instead, the candidates awkwardly faced a series of tough questions. In each case, moderators seemed to be asking: Why don't you just give it up already? Has your moment passed, Senator? a moderator asked Santorum. If the people of Louisiana are not satisfied, what makes you think the people of this nation should be? a moderator asked Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.), after describing his dismal poll numbers...." see full article

"...But what about the folks at the debate that starts at 5 p.m.? The risk/reward ratio looks pretty different for them. While all of the seven invitees would have surely preferred to be on the stage later, the 5 p.m. debate is not without opportunity.Two candidates, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and businesswoman Carly Fiorina, have perhaps the most upside. Both are viewed favorably by Republican voters but neither has been able to garner the vote share to break into the top tier.Perry obviously needs a good debate performance more than anyone else in the field, and it may benefit him to do so in a space where the will be fewer fisticuffs. Given the lack of animosity among the early debate participants, one would assume that there will be pile ups, which would give Perry the chance to show off the policy chops he's been working on for much of the past year.Fiorina also has a chance to tackle her main challenge head in. Republicans often speak of Fiorina as a strong potential running mate but aren't buying in for the top of the ticket. If Fiorina can replicate her strong stump showings in the debate format, she will have the chance to show herself in a new setting. If viewers buy her as commander in chief, the debate could be the launch pad she's been looking for...." see full article

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